The hamlet of Star Lake, New York has an old school which was built in l882 which is no longer in use. Many of the people in the community want to save it as a historical site and put it to good use. This webpage is dedicated to that purpose.
MISSION STATEMENT
A group of concerned citizens trying to save the old school building in the most diplomatic, economical, and productive way possible with the sole purpose of enriching our community.
The first official meeting of the SOS for the summer of 2009 was held on July 9th.
A presentation was made by Bob Meredith on the construction of a model railroad which would tie in the various early industries in the area. The project was approved by the SOS organization for Bob to proceed with the development which will likely take about five years to complete. Members of the SOS were happy that this first project will start to fulfill the mission that the organization had initially envisioned for the old school.
John Burns submitted a draft proposal for a Constitution and By-Laws for the organization. The Board of Directors, in consultation with other members, will review the proposal for final approval.
A decision was made to have at 5K/fun run on Sunday, Aug. 9th and include offering pie for sale before and after the event. The run will follow the route of previous events.
Recapping what has been accomplished so far, the comments are indicated below:
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Two Monday morning meetings were held in June. In the meeting on the fifteenth, a small crew consisting of Bob, George, Feets, Joe, and Phil put up plastic sheeting over the windows in anticipation of applying retardant paint on the ceiling. It was decided that the painting on the ceiling and the walls would be done professionally. On July 6th, all of the material in the building was removed to the basement for storage to be used as the organization builds displays for the Museum and Reading Room. During the next few weeks the outside trash will be removed, trim for the wall with be painted and installed, and the windows will be prepared for final painting. A decision on finishing the floors will follow.
As the 2009 year for the SOS is about over, it is time to look at what was accomplished this summer. A major step was taken when the ceiling and walls were painted and the floors were refinished. The electrical work, installation of the hot water tank and piping were all completed. The cove molding in the ceiling was installed and painted. The other front door was installed and ready for painting. Items left to be completed either this fall or next summer include railing into the center, painting of all the windows, and the installation of chair railing.
A most successful 5k/fun run took place on the 9th of August which included a ice cream pie social, cake walk, and basketball contest. Inside the building the Railroad Club had a display and there were several demonstrations of crafts. The 5K/fun run netted 87 runners...the most we have had in this event.
At a meeting on Thursday, Aug 27th a discussion took place regarding the successful events which just took place in August. Planning on a Board of Directors meeting to discuss and vote on the Constitution and By-Laws for the organization.
There are a number of people to thank for the work they did this summer in bringing this project closer to completion.....Carl for the electrical, George for the front door, Pete for the trim work, Joe and Marge for a myriad of activities, Joyce for paint selection, Bob and Irene for pie social, Feets and Phil for cleanup, Anita for silent auction, the Hitchman's for the fun run and Bob for the cake walk event.
A review of 2009 in photos:
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Joyce and Irene. 
Gerald installed water heater.
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Since the inception of the SOS project in 2005 a small group of local citizens have continued to pursue the restoration of the old building. In the beginning they went to the local authorities to save the building and to request the use of the building for a reading room, a museum and a craft center. With their approval, the group commenced removing the interior office walls, the ceilings and the area that had once served the local cable company. During this time money making projects were started to assist with the expenses of the remodeling. Ice cream socials, silent auctions, pie socials and fun runs all helped in the eventual restoration. The first project approved will be the development of a railroad display depicting that section of the old railroad which ran from Benson Mines to Wanakena. A local group of railroad hobbyists long with the Boys Scouts will, over a period of years, complete this project that will be housed in a portion of the building. Planning for a reading room with internet terminals will follow. Local craft shows and demonstrations are also in the mix. Eventually the name SOS will be changed to a more functional title.
This is just one of several fun run events that have been held.. Link To Clifton-Fine
President's Message...As we look toward the Summer of 2010 we need to be mindful of the fact that the renovation is about over and the exciting time begins.....planning for the reading room and the museum. We need to find more of the residents, young and old, to participate in this adventure for our community. The spirit of the nation is to work together for a better and more fulfilling tomorrow....we can do this right in Star Lake in USA. The initial installation of the railroad project into the SOS will take place this summer. An open house is planned in July.
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